Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1887-07-21

'the Good Sheplrerd,' who carried thu
little lambs in his bosom, and neve
dld look at the pictured shepherds
on that old parlor wall, without think
ing of Him, and wondering if they whit
made those pictures had ever heard Of
read the history Of that Good Shepherd
and so tried to make some rcprese rta
ton of him and his lambs.
l don't think l ever spoke Of these
thoughts to anyone, not even to Mary
Reed, for was very backward about
imparting any of my theological med
ita,ions, although my mind was very
frequently occupied by them, from the
very beginning of my childhood.
Still, | could tell Mary many Of my
speculations concerning my friends the
shepherds and their focks, for I had
named them, and given to many pc
culiar history, and Mary also, had her
views respecting them.
Mary lived OH the other side of the
river from my fathers house, but /
could see her home from our chamber
windows, and many time have stood
at these windows or upon the banks of
the river, wishing that l could see
Mary, and feeling sure that could
make her hear me call her, il she would
only come out Of doors.
My mother dearly loved the mother
of Mary, and was much beloved in re-
turn, and so the love of their children
seemed very natural. ! cannot speak
tor my friend but rs for me, and when
I could play with her, or sit down
with her on one side of me, and my
mother on the other, l was completely
satisfied and happy.
Bitter were the tears always shed
when she went home even vet | can
not help feeling something of sorrow as
as remember our last parting, though
1t was many years ago.
All, dear Mary, never in all my wan
derings, and they have been many and
far, never in all the changes Of lny
eventful life, have I found one who
could wholly fill your place in 10y heart
and although | may never see You morc
OH earth, your gontlcncss and affection
viii not BE- forgotten. The memory Of
YOU will always be one Of the highest
and dearest of my life.
AS think Of you, NV Mary, | think
also oE my mother, the good, the noble,
and true hearted one, who, IN the midst
of her days, went down into the grave,
crushing i'll her fall the hearts OF those
who loved her, and leaving behind her
!. most tEesolate home. think also of
my father, us then he stood before me,
I'll and cheerful, or as he rode that
fiery horse of his, which | so much adj
mirctl and feared or as le sat beside
my mother, and smiled upon here, and
sung with her the songs | can remeln-
Der still. All me, dear Mary, the
brightest hours are tleetcst of ALI.
And | think Of the last time saw
your mother, Mary; it was after mine
had gone to a better home, and was
notheriess. ! approached your faith
er's house and your mother came out
TO meet me- she was weeping, and as
she folded me to i1er bosom with sad,
yut most fervent, God bless you my
Door child !" too burst into tears for
ny wounds seemed to bleed afresh at
he sight of one who had been my
mothers trne and intimate friend.
You We're then no longer an inmate
# your mothers house YOU were a
natroh yourself then, and had your
,wn portion Of family cares and Joys. -
Many years had fled since we used to
Nay together in the fields and woods,
md my home WAS in city far away,
md I have never seen you since, dear
Mary yet l love you still,
Oh, times changes how rapid how
onstant, how mournful they are no
natter how near. or how dear, they go;
ONE to the grave, others to distant
Genes; but they leave us, and they our
amiliar companions no more. IN view
# this one fact, should we not be led
o look for some enduring inheritance /
O set our affections firmly Gpon the .
hings that are eternal, and not too liz /
div on the things of time, which only .
end our heart string, IN being wrench
d away. Would that all might turn
sore earnestly heayenwGrl as the un-
erta;n POSSESSIONS of earth torSake
hem, for there are friends that never .
|esolated, there is peace and Joy which .
,asses not away.
'bo,,'. 81 hn,irr hN,nr thsrI thi. world can